Andrea Innocenti Taiz is at the center of a new phase in the war in Yemen: the city, home to approximately 1 million people, is under increasing pressure following the advance of Houthi rebels along the Red Sea coast. Supply lines have been cut, resulting in a food, fuel , and medicine crisis with immediate impacts on the daily lives of the population.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that up to 800.000 people in the city risk being left without essential assistance. The escalation of fighting has led to queues at shops, rising prices, and the closure of public services, creating a state of emergency on the ground.
Siege and supply cuts to Taiz
In recent days, the Houthi offensive has rapidly changed the geography of the conflict: the rebels have gained ground along the coast, controlling more than 1.000 kilometers of stretches and launching operations aimed at controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait . This strategic move has limited supply routes to Taiz and made the transit of humanitarian and commercial convoys dangerous or impossible.
The blockade had immediate effects on local markets: empty shelves, unavailable fuel, and skyrocketing prices. Local authorities and Yemeni government forces supported by Saudi Arabia attempted to stem the advance, but communications and connections with the outside world remain difficult. The military situation thus directly impacts the availability of basic necessities for the urban population.
Closures and measures adopted
Since October 3, many businesses have been disrupted: previously well-stocked shops have begun closing, driven by logistical difficulties and fears for security. Furthermore, the certainty of possible fighting in neighboring areas has led to the closure of schools and institutions in some areas, impacting community services.
Everyday Lives: Stories of Ali Abdulsamed and Rawa
The situation is illustrated through the personal experiences of residents. Ali Abdulsamed is one example: a father of six, he spent entire days searching for groceries in a city where shops often display only empty shelves. After visiting numerous shops, he managed to find a single 25kg bag of flour , paying more than double the usual price. To save money, he reduced his car use and walks up to 10 km a day.
For her part, Rawa , a 35-year-old teacher, describes her life as a balancing act between anxiety and adaptation: her days are spent gathering water and supplies, while explosions and gunfire get ever closer to her home. In the past, she could have moved toward her home village south of Taiz, but today the road is blocked and her options are limited.
Economic and social impact on the urban fabric
Commercial activities, once vital to the local economy, have drastically reduced their operations: once-bustling streets are almost deserted, shopkeepers are struggling to obtain supplies, and many informal workers have lost their income. Families without savings are forced to sell personal belongings to buy food, while others rely on local solidarity when possible.
The fears are not merely material: the prospect of Taiz falling into Houthi hands, with the resulting isolation of Aden and other southern cities, fuels profound political and humanitarian concerns. Control of strategic hubs like Bab al-Mandab Strait further complicates the regional situation.
The picture that emerges is of a city struggling to resist militarily and survive civilianly. International organizations and local residents are warning of the severity of the crisis: without safe routes for supplies, many people risk being left without access to essential goods, while the conflict continues to impact every aspect of daily life.